TREATING DRUG ABUSE

To the Editor:

We applaud the support for expanding drug and alcohol treatment expressed by
Al Gore and George W. Bush (news article, May 3).

Drug courts, which divert nonviolent, first-time offenders to
supervised treatment rather than jail, are effective, yet put
additional strain on scarce resources. Welfare reforms likewise
require sobriety but put little money into treatment and prevention.
Increased support from Congress is essential; additionally, the
Department of Health and Human Services should release millions of
Medicaid dollars currently prohibited for inpatient treatment.

Substance abuse costs this country $277 billion per year in medical
costs, crime and lost productivity, yet only half of those who seek
treatment can get it on demand. The support for treatment expressed by
the candidates bodes well for our nation's future.

TOM MC DANIELS
Director of National Policy, Legal Action Center
Washington, May 4, 2000